Gingrich aims at GOP 'establishment'

Newt Gingrich stressed his "bold solutions" to challenge the Republican establishment and defeat President Obama in November.

In his remarks to the Conservative Political Action Conference, Gingrich touted a long list of ideas -- from ending "Obamacare" to revamping job training programs -- that he says will revive the economy and bring fundamental change to Washington.

The former House speaker, who is dropping in national polls on the GOP presidential race, sought to re-establish himself as the candidate with bold ideas for change.

He took aim at the "establishment," a criticism that he has leveled at times to government and the news media. This time, Gingrich made clear he is taking on a Republican establishment that "wants to manage decay."

"The establishment America is tied up in red tape, tied up in incompetence, tied up in interest groups," he said. "There is a mortal grip on the establishment. ... We intend to change Washington, not accommodate it."

Gingrich was the last of three GOP presidential candidates to address the Washington gathering, made up of more than 10,000 activists who are often the backbone of political campaigns.

The speech gave him an opportunity to revive interest in his campaign, which has been overshadowed this week by Rick Santorum's victories in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado.

Gingrich now is third in Gallup's daily tracking poll, garnering 18% support from registered Republican voters. He was at the top of the GOP field shortly after his decisive victory over Romney in the South Carolina primary just a few weeks ago.

Romney leads in the national survey, with 34%, followed by Santorum at 22%.

In his remarks, Gingrich touted his plan for an optional 15% flat tax, no taxes on capital gains and a 12.5% corporate income tax.

Gingrich also called for a new Environmental Solutions Agency to replace the Environmental Protection Agency, and personal savings accounts in Social Security for young workers.

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About Catalina Camia

Catalina Camia leads the OnPolitics online community and has been at USA TODAY since 2005. She has been a reporter or editor covering politics and Congress for two decades, including stints at The Dallas Morning News and Congressional Quarterly. Follow her at @USATOnPolitics.